Every day and in every way things are getting better!!

Attention all Couponers!!

2011-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I tried the whole coupon thing thru the Newspaper- Savvy shoppers is what it think it was called. I don't know if I am just not smart enough to do it or if I just didn't know what I was doing, but it was not a success. I ended up spending way more money on things I didn't use...shopping at stores I normally don't shop at, buying things that I don't use just cause it was on sale and supposable a great deal. My first adventure I came out spending $20 on tampons....(sorry if TMI) . However, I am continually seeing people in the grocery store, usually stuck behind them buying cart loads of stuff and then out come the coupons. what seems like hundreds of papers that have to be scanned in individually and hopefully there are no complications with brands or restrictions. At first I was totally annoyed. I don't use coupons and hate getting stuck behind these penny pinching nazis. Then I started to pay attention to what they were getting and for how much. I think it is so fun to see their grocery bill start at $200 and end up at $38 dollars. My annoyance has turned into straight jealousy. I want to be smart enough to get free or even cheaper food and spend little to nothing for groceries and food storage! Why am I not taking advantage of this?! Oh ya... Because of the $20 tampon incident. I am begging anyone who knows how to make this couponing thing work for actual food and such, Please share your secrets! I am completely clueless. Where do you get the coupons in the first place, how do you know where the sales are, and how do you get such great deals?! Please,please,please share any info that you can with me. i would really appreciate it!

Hello?!

2011-01-16T23:13:00.000-08:00

I am completely horrible with blogging lately. Lack of Motivation and two little monsters have made it kinda hard :) I am not even going to try and catch up on my blog--i have enough of that to do with my scrapbooking. So, a quick summary and a hopeful promise to be better :)

Mya and Emma both had birthdays this summer making them 4 and 2! I can't believe how old they are. They are such best friends, it's fun to watch them play and be together at this age. They both miss their old house, friends and grass yard, but they are adjusting well. They both are doing Gymnastics and love it, Mya is really good at it and Emma just likes to do anything where she gets to jump and run around!

Mya is so Smart and LOVES School. She can write her first and last name, her numbers up to ten and most of the alphabet. We are working on reading.. but that's mostly just frustrating to both of us :)

Emma loves to make me laugh and is such a nut! She is so funny and is almost as big as her sister. She loves to play with the big girls and has such a stubborn personality like her mom. She loves eating..especially candy.

Me and Kyle celebrated our 6 yr anniversary. We started the night by ditching the kiddos at their grandma's then heading to get couples massages. I was a little freaked out by some stranger touching me, but in the end it was really relaxing and great. We stuffed ourselves silly at Tucanos and then headed to a relaxing night at the Zermatt resort in Midway. Kyle has a horrible cold/flu so he didn't enjoy it nearly as much as i did.
We are loving the new house and the area. We have great neighbors and I love the area we are at. It's so close to everything, yet feels like we are in the middle of the country. We have done a lot of painting, new carpet, etc. Everything you do in a new house. It is slowly feeling more and more like home. Kyle is so excited to get a yard in this summer so he can finally mow a lawn again :)

Other than that we are just loving life, living it day to day and taking in every minute we can. We are so blessed with great family, friends, and adventures :)

(i will post Christmas, etc as soon as I learn how to get pictures off my camera on to my computer :)

Deer Hunt 2010

2010-10-30T21:12:00.001-07:00

SHOE PARTY!!!!

2010-10-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I am having a Shoe party Open house on Tuesday Oct. 26! Come and check out great fall boots, clothes and purses!! There are great shoes for all ages. Ladies sizes and childrens too. You get to try them on and take them home the same night! It will be at my house starting at 6:30 till 8:00!

Let me know if you are interested in coming and I can get you my address.
As always, fell free to bring friends :)

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

2010-08-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

OUR NEW HOME!!!

We decided to jump on the real estate market and "upgrade" while prices were so good and interest rates were so low, so after 3 weeks of looking almost everyday and countless hours online--We found our (my) dreamhouse. The only problem is we had to build it.(hence the lack of yard) It only took 40 days from start to finish! I am absolutely loving the extra space! But, I do miss my old neighborhood, fenced in yard and Kyle really misses his running trail by the lake. :)

It am pretty sure I will be unboxing things the rest of my life! We have the main floor almost done and almost all the bedrooms. Oh well, it will give me something to do :)

On a side note, We have had an incredible summer but VERY VERY busy. We have had several birthdays, moved 4 people and played hard! I have neglected my poor blog, but have had so much fun with my family. I hope to get caught up, but who are we kidding?! NO promises :)

I also managed to lose my phone in the move, so if anyone has been trying to get a hold of me, leave me a message WITH your phone number and I will call you back from Kyle's phone. Until I get a new one, hopefully this weekend. :(

Temple picture

2010-02-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

Ok, if you haven't already sworn off my crafts due to flakyness (SORRY!!) take a look at this one. I can't order this until I have 10 people, so it will just take however long till ten people sign up. It's kinda pricey, but compared to some pictures almost exactly like this in style, it's pretty cheat. The company will actually come out and teach the class and provide all the supplies, so I have no control over scheduling dates either. Let me know if there is any interest.Thanks ladies!

The final measurements are 26" x 32" which is really big, and the list of available temples are

Oquirrh Mt

Timpanogos Mt

Logan

Idaho Falls

Manti
Salt Lake

St George

COST IS $47.00 + tax.

FINALLY HERE!!

2010-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

After a long couple of weeks, several annoying phone calls, and countless hours of stressing...

the craft supplies for Jan. craft (i know, really late!!) is finally here!! YAY! I will be doing ONE, yes only ONE night of crafts for those who want to get together and use the product that i bought. otherwise, you will have to just come and pick it up and do it on your own. The one night I will doing it is next SAT. (that's Sat feb 27th. at 8:00.) Let me know if you will be able to make it and i will send out totals to everyone. Thanks for your patience girls and I look forward to crafting with you all soon ":)

Scary!

2010-02-11T09:51:00.001-08:00

I have had some scary comments left on my blog, which has left me no option but to go private. I really didn't want to, but I feel that for my families safety I have no choice. I will be going private very soon and if i don't have your email, feel free to ask me for an invite.

SWAMPED!!!

2010-01-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

To describe my life in one word these past few weeks it would have to be HECTIC!! Between school and trying to start my home remodel, life has been a little overwhelming. It seems that I don't have enough time to get anything done! This is mostly school's fault. I am taking a class that is killing all my extra time. Plus, with a house full of sick kids (including Kyle) things just aren't getting done. I am so sorry to everyone who has placed an order for the Jan craft. I have placed the order and just need to go and pick it up. i plan on doing this Monday! I am so excited to pick them up and see how everyones projects turn out! ;) because of my schedule I am doing ONE day where people can come and do the craft at my house. Otherwise, you will just have to pick it up and do it on your own. Let me know which you prefer. I will schedule the day as soon as I have the stuff. THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!

5 yrs!!

2009-12-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today was our 5 yr anniversary! I can't believe it has been 5 wonderful years already. This year we went all out. We took the girls up to Homestead in Midway for a sleigh ride and lunch. It was such a beautiful, warm day. We all loved it! Then we dropped of the girls and me and kyle went to Blind side (such a great movie) Yes, i cried. Then we went to Tucanos and ate more than anyone should ever eat! It was such a great day!

Craft group for January

2009-12-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Okay everyone, just to let you know i am expecting the tins to arrive next week. let me know when will be a good time and i will try to come up with a time that works for the majority of people. I know its the middle of christmas caos, but i promise to make it work for everyone.

1-temple blocks, 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". Specify which one you want, with or without the words. You provide one sheet of scrapbook paper, Everything else is included. Available temples for blocks without words are: Salt Lake, Bountiful, Timpanogos, Logan, Manti, St. George, Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Oquirrh, draper. Someday blocks only come with Salt Lake picture. Cost is 5.00

2- Picture Plaques. These are so pretty. You provide the picture. There is an optional glaze finish which gives it the look of canvas. Each are 12.00. glaze at 2.00 more.
Let me know by December 20th! Thanks everyone. i hope you enjoy!

If you have ideas or something you really want, feel free to let me know. I love suggestions :)

Festival of Trees

2009-12-04T00:22:00.000-08:00

Every year my family goes to the Festival of Trees. I love it! We start out the night by eating at Crown Burger (WAY better than In-n-out) and then spend the rest of the time walking thru what seems like 1,000 of trees. It's so sad to hear and read all the stories about the kids and families, that I cry almost every year! Emma loved all the trees, but was a little upset she couldn't touch any, mostly due to the fact she was confined to her stroller :) The kids loved the kids' corner as usually. This year, Mya was dying to be in the bubble, and had to do it three times!! Emma wasn't quite sure about it. I love this family tradition, and only wish Kyle wasn't working this year, so he could have gone with us...

My favorite tree this year was all-girl! I didn't get the whole story, but it was done for a little girl who had a heart condition, and after a failed heart transplant, sadly she lost her life. It was so sad, and of course caused the tears to gush!!

Settin up the tree

2009-12-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time!!! I love putting up our tree and getting things ready for Christmas. This year has been especially fun for mya and emma. Emma has already tried to eat my Christmas ornaments and has eaten all the candy canes off the tree, and it's only been one night!Mya of course was watching Polar Express, so it was hard to get her interested in decorating the tree, but once she started she loved it. (that's why there is more pictures of emma)

The crafting class

2009-11-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of people ask when I will be doing the class. I don't have a specific date, because i have to order the containers (in order to get the great price!)
So, answer to that question is the class will be after i get the containers in. I will be placing the order on November 18th. So, if you could please get me numbers of how many you want.
Thanks everyone!

COME CRAFTERS!!!

2009-11-10T21:29:00.001-08:00

I am going to be starting a crafting group. Anyone and everyone is more welcome to join. This is how it is going to work.

Once a month we will get together to work on a project (or several little ones) I will post the following months craft on my blog. You need to sign up by the appropriate date in order to participate. And there may be limited numbers on some projects, in that case, it's a first come, first serve situation. I will send out confirmation emails to let everyone know how much and when we will be getting together. You can sign up for as many as you want, but be aware that payment is required ASAP! if you need to cancel you have to do a week before or you will still be required to pay. If you want to just pick up the stuff and do it on your own, that's okay too.

This is a way together and have fun, not be stressfull or expensive. I don't want anyone to feel pressured, and the costs will be as low as possible. (I WILL NOT BE MAKING A PROFIT ON ANY PROJECT! The price will be what it costs to make)

The project for this month is: A hot chocolate container. Great for neighbor christmas gifts, teachers, and friends. The cost is 3.00. Not including the hot chocolate ingredients (but will include the recipe :)

Please sign up by leaving a comment or emailing me at Delynn.groves@comcast.net. Be sure to include how many you want. Sign up is no later than November 18th! Thanks!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

This was such a fun halloween. Mya got to dress up the entire week, and loved it. We had a hard time getting her to decided what to be, but she finally decided Snow White. Emma didn't have much say, but she was adorable in her ladybug costume!

we started out the week with our ward's chili cook-off/trunk o treat. It was so fun, but very cold! Emma loved getting handed food from everyone, and Mya just loved being a princess.

Then Mya had a halloween party at Preschool. She was a little shy to begin with, but Emma went up with her and they both did fine. :) She was so excited to be a princess like her teacher.

Then it was on to carving pumkins. Mya was so excited and was insistent that her pumpkin had a sad face. Emma loved it until she touched the pumpkin guts, then she lost interest really fast and just because she is emma, she had to taste it :)
Then it was on to Trick or Treating. Emma was hilarious! she loved all the food and was determined to go to every house. She HAD to walk to the door, get the candy and put it in her bucket all by herself. That wore off soon enough and mom helped. Mya was such a big girl and did such a great job helping her sister. Every house we would go to she would say, "may i have some candy? oh thank you, Happy halloween." It was so cute! (her dad taught her to say that at our ward trunk or treat)

My baby is ONE!!

2009-11-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe that Emma is one already. I have been a little swamped with school and life, so I am a little behind on blogging it.

Her birthday was Sept 22. We had such a great day celebrating her! We went to Pirate Island pizza for lunch and then went home to have a fun "madd hatter tea Party" The theme for her birthday was a merry one-birthday. (get it? alice in wonderland merry un-birthday!?) I think I am so smart :) Anyways, i had such elaborate plans and wanted to make it such a great day, but I had surgery (kinda) the day before, so I slacked major on her party. Oh well, we have everything so we can repeat for her 2nd :)

My incredible mom baked all the treats for the party cause I couldn't eat for 3 days, so she jumped in and literally saved me. Plus she bakes so much better than me anyways. Emma loved all the food! She didn't really care for the presents, until she got a bag of Cheetos. Then she just sat and ate and let mya finish opening her other presents. (the girls LOVES food) and of course she didn't waste anytime with her cake.

She is my little sweet heart and I love her so much. She is the perfect addition to our family and balances it out. She loves her sister and loves to eat! She is 99% happy all the time, but does have her moms temper. She is a mover and keeps up with Mya perfectly. I couldn't even imagine life without her and am so blessed to be her mom. She is growing up so fast, and i love to see her personality, likes, dislikes and the new things she learns everyday! Happy Birthday Emma--Rooskie!

Facts about Emma
1. she absolutely loves food. The only time she gets mad is when you take it away from her.
2. she walks/runs like a 2 yr old
3. the only words she can say is Eye and Dad
4. her best friend is Mya loves to play with her
5. she loves the outdoors and water
6. she hardly ever cries, unless #1 and when she is in trouble.
7. she is the only grandbaby who puts grandpa in his place!
8. she is 10% for her weight (18 lbs.) and 25% for her height 21 inches.
9. she loves to read books
10. she is a shoe fanatic!

Delynn's first Deer Hunt a success!

2009-10-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know this blog is mainly for all of Delynn's friends but I (Kyle) just had to post this one this time. Delynn and I had an awesome hunt this week. The weather was warm and the area we chose was beautiful. The morning I took Delynn on her first hunt was the 3rd day of the hunt. I had already shot a deer the day before and had not had enough time to locate him before dark that night so we spent the entire morning looking for him on the mountain side. Delynn did so good! She must have gone up and down that mountain 8 or 9 times looking for that deer. What a trooper. That counted for her workout for sure. The mountain side ended up being too big to search all day so we gave up and went back to hunting. We hunted together for a while and then split up. Delynn wanted a different view so she hiked higher and left me on my hillside. Right before dark a had a buck came in range. I downed him and hiked back up the hill to yell for Delynn. I hiked back to where we had parked about a mile away but little did I know that Delynn had already made it back to the truck, had heard my shots, and though it would be a good idea to bring the truck as close to where I had shot the deer as possible. As I stood all alone at our empty parking spot I could see Delynn miles away down the valley connecting with a road that would lead her closer to where I downed the deer. The sun was almost down and it was getting dark. I was 15 minutes form being in the middle of the mountains in the dark alone. I saw a hunter on a 4 wheeler down the valley and started running to him. I ran what seemed like 2 miles to him. By the time I got to him Delynn was way up the mountain side with the truck looking for me. I knew by that time she would be worried sick searching for me. I told the guy on the 4 wheeler that I needed a ride up the mountain and that my wife was looking for me. He graciously gave me a ride. We met up with Delynn in the dark and she gave me the biggest hug. She likes me. We got the deer out that night and drug him up the mountain side to the truck. I don't know if you can tell by the picture but I was just soaked in sweat. It was a good day with Delynn. I think form now on she knows that she shouldn't move the truck from our meeting spot. While it almost put me in a scary position, all I can do is laugh now. Good times. Good memories. I love you Delynn! Here are the rest of the pics we took that day.

He's a Boon and Crocket record deer wouldn't ya say?

This is a video Delynn and I made of the fall leaves behind Mt. Timpanogos. This is just one reason I love hunting season so much! Enjoy!

2009-09-05T00:12:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I need some serious brainstormin' and good ideas from you all! It's my 5 yr anniversary and I want to do something AWESOME!!! I really want to make it memorable, more than just dinner. I need some ideas and I know you all have some. I really can't think right now, and could use all the help. Any idea is welcome, just remember, Kyle has to come too! So pedicures and such are out of the question (I already asked :)

Margaret Draeger

2009-08-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Margaret K. Draeger 1922-2009 Aug 20th.

My incredible Grandma-in-law passed away today. She was the most sweet and genuine person you will ever meet. She greeted everyone with a smile and was such a go-getter. I loved going over and listening to all of her stories and memories that she had. I have a special place in my heart for her because without her I would not know my husband. I met Marge at the dental office I work at and she initially set us up on our first date. I knew her a good year before I knew Kyle! Not only that, but she accepted me as part of the family from the beginning. There was never any question of being welcome or wanted. I got to know this incredible woman for 6 yrs, and only wish I got to spend more time with her. I learned so much from her about life, what's important, and being grateful. She was also a great example to me of being a good wife and mother. The love she had for her husband, Norm, is incredible and even when they didn't agree, she treated him with such respect. She had an incredible talent of painting. Her art will live on forever on the walls of our family homes. She was fighting Parkinsons disease and even though it was a tough fight till the end, she did it with a smile. She would light up when anyone came to see her and especially loved the kids. She would love to hold Mya and Emma, until they got to wiggley to be held!

Till we meet again Grandma. We love you so much.

JULY wrap up

2009-08-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

We started out the month with swimming lessons, which anyone who knows me, knows I hate water...so it was very hard for me to get into the pool everyday for two weeks. But, the girls loved it. I went with my mother in law. I am glad the girls got the chance to do it, even thought it won't likely happen again :)

My favorite day of the year happens to be July 4th. It really is my favorite holiday, even more than Christmas. This year I signed up to run the freedom fest 5k. I really didn't train for it at all, but still ran it. I am not going to lie, I did walk some, but for the most part I ran. I got to have my sister, Dani, as my running partner, which was fun. Next year i will definietly prepare a little better. Kyle ran it also, and did great. He averaged a 8 min. mile, and that's with pushing the stoller with both girls! We got to enjoy the parade and then headed over to my mom's for a bbq. Then we went home for some well needed naps. Afterwards we went to Sandy to watch the fireworks from our amazing spot (it's secret!) Such a great day!

I also took the plunge and cut of 15 inches of hair! It was getting way too long and I was sick of pony tails. I love having the short hair, but do miss the option of being lazy and not having to do my hair.

On July 18th I got to go with my friends for a girls night to the fray concert. which was a blast. Natalie was here from New Mexico so we went and played! We went to cafe rio for dinner which is always delicious! Then we headed up Usana. I had no idea what kind of music it was, but was pleasantly suprised! I knew a lot of their songs. The concert was great and it was fun to hang out with the "gang" again!

]
The same night Kyle went with his friends Skydiving in Ogden. (yes, the real thing, not just a simulator) I was very anxious for him, but he had a blast and wants to do it again. Me?! I am perfectly content staying on the ground and watching. This is the real picture of kyle jumping out of the plane.

It was Mya's 3rd birthday this month, so it was fitting to have 3 parties right? The first party we did a tinkerbell/pirate hook party with her friends. It was so fun. We gave the girls fairy wings and tutu's and the boys got swords, pirate bags and eye patches. The kids got to hunt for treasure, play in a pirate boat, facepainting and fingernail painting and of course make pirate wands and pirate hats. I hope all the kids had as much fun as I did, and of course Mya spent most of the morning crying cause I wouldn't let her wear her princess belle dress (our major battle right now)

and then a family BBQ that night. She it was so fun to celebrate with everyone we love! Thanks everyone for your support and for coming and making our birthdays so fun.

l

We then packed up and went to St. George, Vegas and California for 6 days! It was a blast.
We got to take Mya and emma to a cute little park are in Towne center in Las vegas. Mya loved it. And then got to get some yummy yogurt from yogurtland! I got to go shopping at one of my favorite stores, H&M. My wonderful mother in law babysat the girls while we went out on the strip with our friends. We ate at an incredible buffet in the Caesars palace! It was well worth the hefty price tag. All but the dessert was fabulous!

a

We took the girls to Huntington beach and Ruby's, which is the best burger joint ever! The food was amazing. it was at the end of a pier and surrounded by water. We got to watch the sun go down and everything. It was so amazing. The beach was so crowded, b/c they were holding the x games for surfing and bmx biking, which is fun to say we were there, but we didn't really get to see any of it. We did learn that Emma hates the sand, and mya loves the beach. I got to collect sea shells and discovered my hair is not meant for California weather.

Of course the highlight of the trip was Disneyland on Mya's real birthday (the 3rd party).There were hardly any lines. We walked right on to most of them, and the longest wait was to meet the princesses, which was about 30 mins. It was veryhot, but well worth it. I think me and kyle loved it more than the girls. We definietly wore them out. Emma's favorite ride was a tie between the Winnie the Pooh ride and It's a small world and of course Mya loved King Arthurs Carousel. The only ride they both didn't like was Pirate of the Carribean. (we still went on it 5 times though :)

o

July has been such a great month. It's going to be hard to top!

Happy Birthday Mya!

2009-08-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

On July 27th it was mine and Mya's birthday. I just adore my little girl and can't believe she is 3! She is so full or personality and spirit and lots and lots of energy! She has always been a wiggle worm and so full of spunk. She brought such a spirit and happiness to me and kyles life. I am so happy to be able to share a birthday with her and have that special bond forever! its so fun to have such a girly girl (and expensive!) who loves to go shopping with me! Her whole life revolves around princesses, Disney and barbies! She is such a good older sister and is always thinking about emma. If she gets a treat at the store, she has to get one for emma too. but don't be fooled, she is a bully sometimes too! Anywhere we go she makes new friends, she is a true social butterfly and loves to be with kids, younger or older! She absolutely loves church and nursery! I am so blessed to be her mother and get to laugh (and sometimes cry) with her. She is growing up so fast!

Happy birthday Kyle!!!

2009-08-01T20:13:00.001-07:00

July 24th was my wondeful husbands birthday! I cannot describe how much I love this man. He is such a great example to me. He is such a hard worker and still manages to be a great husband and father. His girls just adore him and know that when dads around it's time to play. He is so good at setting goals and accomplishing them, for example his bachelors degree. He treats me like a princess and gives us such a good life! He can make me laugh so hard and can be so goofy! He is such a blessing to me and my girls and is the more than I could have dreamed for! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH BABE! happy birthday!!
Here is my list of 28 reasons I love you: (in no particular order)
1-you are so sexy!
2-you make me laugh
3-you are an incredible dad
4-you are a perfectionist when it comes to your lawn, but still lets me cut it.
5-i love how you can stare at your garden forever and you care so much about it.
6-you will take me out to eat whenever I want, even when you don't want to.
7-you know how to have fun
8-your laugh
9- we can talk for hours and never run out of things to say
10-our ritual wal-mart runs :)
11-Your love for Disneyland
12-your dedication to running and eating right
13-the willingness to serve others
14-the way you treat your mother and grandmother
15-your bravery(aka skydiving)
16- your hands
17-the way we have the same goals and dreams
18-your love for the gospel
19- your knowlege
20-how you like MASH and documentaries
21-the way you calm me down
22- your hugs and kisses! So warm and safe
23- you eat my cooking and never complain
24- you love me
25- your love of good music
26- your artistic abilites
27- you are a worthy priesthood holder
28-our eternal marriage and I have you for forever!!!
I love you!!

2009-07-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

My conversation with Mya today:

Mya: "guess what mom, I love Jesus."
Me" "you do? that's good"
Mya: "Ya, he's my boyfriend."
Me: "really?"
Mya: "Ya. but we can't get married cause daddy doesn't like Him."
Me: "I'm sorry. I am sure you will find someone else to marry."
Mya: "prince charming, cause the beast is scary. I will get an earring (that's what she calls rings) too."

I would love to know where my little girl gets these things! seriously. She keeps me laughing all day long!

Disclaimer: My husband really does love Jesus. And that is her new pose, eyes closed, head cocked and cheesy grin!!

A little bit of what's been going on.... in no particular order :)

2009-07-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

It is such a blessing to live so close to a park! The girls love it and I enjoy the excercise walking to and from. I don't know if you can tell in the picture but poor little Emma's nose is so swollen and purple. She fell of the couch and hit a coffee table (I was not in the room, my niece was being overly helpful and put her on the couch.) It was so swollen and bruised for a good week. I was so worried it was broken, but luckily it looked worse than what it was.

The Manti Pageant. One of my favorite family traditions. We ate the best pizza in the world (or at least Utah) at Fat Jack's and then loaded up on penny candy from Penny's ice cream parlor, probably one of my top ten places to go in the summer. (3 huge bags of candy for under $5.)

Smores! It was so cold that night, but we still had fun! We watched El Dorado and ate yummy smores till we were sick! Good times.

The living planet aquarium. Emma was in heaven here, she just loves fish. She would get so excited and start squealing and kicking her legs! I thought she would just love the chance to play in the water and touch a real stingray, but I was wrong. One came right at us and literally came out of the water towards her, and it freaked her out. She wanted nothing to do with the water after that. Luckily it didn't stop her from enjoying the fish behing the glass. Mya loved the new area they had (amazon fish) They had a talking parrot, that she was convinced she was having a real conversation with. It was hilarious!

o

Summerfest was a blast!! Mya loved the rides, but Emma did not appreciate them much. Yes, Mya held her in the choke hold the entire train ride, but it made her stop crying. It rained so much, but at least we got to go the the parade and carnival. I was upset I didn't get to spend more time at the booths, but there is always next year!

The Kelly Clarkson Concert was a blast! (mostly cause who I went with! Thanks Girls!!!) She was really good, and I was suprised to find out I knew more than one song!

Fishing Nebo Creek is probably Kyle's favorite thing to do. He got to do a lot of it, and us girls had fun playing in the back of the truck. It was such a beautiful day, but no success. Maybe next time :) . ( Correction!) This is Kyle fixing the Blog--- I did catch a fish. Delynn wasn't paying atention and the only reason I did a lot of fishing was because Delynn let me. little did I know that is wife talk for , " I wanna fish right now!"

My girls LOVE the water. (they definitely get that from their dad) It's so fun to see them play together and both have so much fun.

A typical day at the Groves residence. It's all about the tutu's, dresses, jewelry and tea parties. Gotta love girls. Of course emma ate everyone's cupcake when they weren't looking. little stinker.

a

The Farm at Thanksgiving Point. Mya absolutely loves this place! Too bad Emma is extremely allergic to something there, she blew up like a ballon. Poor thing. If it weren't for her appearance you would never know she was miserable, she was smiling and having fun the whole time. We definietly had to cut the trip short, but first we took Mya on the wagon ride, which she informed me smelled like "cow poop".

The Fremont Indian Reservation and Cove Fort.
Such an expensive day trip. Kyle got his first ever speeding ticket (hahaha!) and we thought we broke our trunk (long story) It was fun to spend the day together though. We didn't get any pictures at Cove fort because the girls were so full of energy and mya just wanted to go to the Barn, and right as we were leaving a huge dust storm came through. Maybe next time.

t
I

Now it's on to July-- Birthdays, Vacations, and a whole lot of FUN!!!

It's Time......

2009-06-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

To go private. After a long debate, Kyle and I have decided it's time to take our blog private. Mostly because of his work situation, it would be safer for our family. So if you want to continue seeing our very exciting life :) Leave your e-mail and I will add you to the list. And to all you blogstalkers, sorry you will have to come out of hiding if you want to be added. :)

Princess Festival

2009-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

I took Mya to the princess festival for a mommy daughter date. It was a BLAST!!! Mya had so much fun getting her hair done, fingernails painted, and she even got to make a crown! Her favorite part was swimming with Ariel (walking around in a fountain) and flying with Peter pan and tinkerbell (jumping on the trampoline) She had a major crush on Peter! :) It really was such a fun event, and such a great cause! I will definitely be going back next year!

Thanks everyone!

2009-06-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for you kind and helpful comments. I didn't realize how mean and onrey my blog sounded until I just re-read it. I really didn't want to come across mean. I do appreciate the comments. I am just having a really hard time in my life, and things are kinda falling apart* everywhere, and stepping on the scale was the last straw that day. Thank you for being such amazing friends, you are all wonderful, wonderful women, you truly have been an answer to my prayers.

I just got the best advice from Bridgette, and so many people have commented that they are feeling the same way, I thought I would share. She reminding me of my true purpose. I have become so obsessed with my weight and fitting into a size 2 (not going to happen) That I have forgotten my divine role and what a blessing it is to be a vessel to bring life into this world. It does not matter what size I am, just that I am healthy. I have dedicated my body to bring children into this world and that is more important than anything right now. I know I will have more kids, and that it is a blessing to even be able to have them. There will plenty of time for a six pack (with the help of a tummy tuck and lipo) But right now I am going to focus on being a mom. I have become vain and spend too much time complaining. Thank you for reminding me and bringing things back into focus. It's amazing how shifted our priorites can get and how little it takes to bring it back.

*Also, when I mean falling apart, it's literal. Our a/c in our truck and house broke, my car trunk won't close, it has a broken muffler and we have a broken sprinkler head in the backyard. My life is in a good place, I just am forgetting it. Don't worry, it's all fixable, just expensive.

WHY!!!

2009-06-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I am using my blog as a method of venting today. It was this or Wendy's fries. :) Sorry.

I don't understand why I don't get to be the kind of woman who has a baby, and two months laters shows up wearing her pre-maternity clothes! (you know who you are and are officially on my hit list!) I have tried it all--My husbands stupid diet, calorie counting, weight watchers,excercising continually, you name it. Nothing. The most frusterating thing is I hardly gain any weight during pregnancy, just after. I pack it on while I am nursing. Now don't get me wrong, I would gladly weight 200 lbs + for the chance to be a mom, and would never think of not breastfeeding. I just wish I could loose even 5 lbs. after. I just want to be able to look in the mirror and be happy, not mortified. It would be even better if people stopped asking me when i am due. The topping on the cake is when I had a friend say (to my face) "you are just a bigger person, I guess you just don't loose baby fat. (as if I needed a reminder, thank you!) So, I guess I will continue to count calories, exercise, and buy bigger clothes, for the lack of any other ideas.
If anyone has any suggestions, ANY at all. It would be gladly appreciated.
Please no sympathy remarks. I'm not in the mood.

By the way, I have not had fries is almost 2 weeks. ~sniff~

Crazy scary night!

2009-05-15T22:40:00.001-07:00

It has been quite and eventful night here at the Groves. It started out with a major cleaning spree--which turned into a royal mess (I started to continue my spring cleaning and pulling out stuff to go thru, but it ended up just being piles of stuff all over my house!) I decided to take a break from washing my huge pile of dishes and have a "picninc" with Mya. I made our favorite, grilled cheese sandwhiches, and we started to eat outside. Mya wanted a drink of water so I came in to get her one, and that's when it all went wrong. I walked back outside to Emma turning blue and a sandwhich with a huge chunk gone, sitting right next to her. I quickly grabbed her and started smacking her back. After a few times of that I lifted her up to see if she was breathing, and she wasn't. So, I started over. Little chunks came out, but she was still having a hard time breathing and was swallowing really hard. So, I called my mom and she called the paramedics. After going to the wrong house, for the wrong kid (she thought I said Eva who is my sisters little girl, not Emma) they quickly arrived at my house. It really only took them less than 4 minutes, despite going to the wrong house and everything. Really impressive! Anyway, in the meantime I finally got Emma to throw up and start breathing, but she was still gaging and swallowing hard. So, we had the paramedics, two cops and a fire engine at my house. Luckily, she was okay and I learned that I know how to successfully do the himlic (spell check!) manuver. We took her to the ER to get a chest xray just to make sure that she didn't aspirate anything. Definitely not my idea of a fun friday. Emma is such a wonderful, happy kid. The whole time she was smiling and playing on the hospital bed(she thought it was the coolest place) and got a little doll to take home with her, she was a complete angel for the xray too! Thankfully she is okay--100% Thank you so much to my mom and dad for coming so quickly and for coming to the hospital with me and watching Mya! and thanks to my sisters who came and cleaned my house for me while I was gone! I have such an incredible family! I am so thankful that I have them and can count on them. They always go the extra mile for me!
All in all I learned some very valuable info tonight
1.My girls mean everything to me! If something really did happen, I would die.
2. Family is amazing. Such a blessing!
2. It is so important to know CPR and proper first aid
3. I am so grateful for health insurance and medical personel
4. Mya is way too helpful and Emma loves food way to much to leave them alone together!
5. Never spring clean :) I can have my house clean for weeks and the one day it is pulled apart I have to have all of Orem, my family and my neighbors there! So embarrassing!

Catching up!!

2009-05-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one week, I know pretty amazing! I finally decided that if I don't post now, it won't get done. (and I have a lot to post!)
First, Emma is mobile!! She stated crawling two weeks ago, and is getting quite fast. I will put her down and walk into the next room, and I turn around and she is at my feet again. She has also started to try and stand up. ( I am totally discouraging this one, so I do all I can to distract her!) She is growing up so fast. Her little personality is coming out so strong. She is such a beautiful and happy little girl, who always has a smile on her face. She rarely cries (as long as she can see me) and will do anything for food. She loves to eat!
She also got her first tooth! It's so cute. She was so happy, I didn't even know she was teething till I felt it. It has made nursing quite interesting, since she is a biter. I will sturnly tell her no, and she just gives me the most adorable, heart melting smile. The little stinker knows exactly what she is doing.
(sorry no pictures, I can't seem to catch her in the act of smiling or crawling)

Mya has had the terrible two's like crazy lately! I think she has Spring fever bad. She really is driving me nuts! It feels like I am spending most of the day reprimanding and telling her no. Poor thing. I think she is just starved for attention. I am making a better effort at giving her "mya and mommy time", hopefully that helps. She has become so funny in the words she uses and the way she describes things. My favorite lately is she is constantly telling me, "Jesus loves me". It is such a good reminder to me that no matter how frustrated I get with her, she is still my daughter and I am so blessed to have her, and what a powerful testimony, at the age of 2! Her favorite person in the whole world is her daddy. She worships everything that he does and is the first person she askes for everyday!

Next, I had the chance to go to St. George/Las Vegas with my friend Yersa and my sister and her friend. It was a short, cold trip, but so much fun. We got pedicures and spent 85% of the time shopping. It was great! Thank you so much Yersa for going with me! It was a blast!
We went to the UVU vs BYU baseball game. It was so fun!! I am so glad UVU won, it was a great game. Suprisingly, Mya was so good, and Emma loved being on the grass. It was really cold towards the end of the game, but we stayed to the end! such good fans :)

My incredible parents gave me Wicked tickets for me birthday (4 months early) I was so excited. It was so awesome! My mom didn't really like it, she said she was expecting more because the tickets were going for $300+. But, it was still entertaining. I loved going with her and my sister, Dayna.

CONGRATS GRAD!!!!

2009-05-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Honorary speaker President Thomas S. Monson

Kyle did it! He graduated from UVU on Friday with an associate degree in Integrated Science and a Bachelors degree in Emergency Service Management. We are so proud of him. He has worked so hard. His twin brother, Corey, also graduated with the same degree. They were the first class to graduate from UVU--after it recieved the university status. Pres. Monson was the speaker at the Convocation, and He was awarded a honorary degree along with his wife. Afterwards we celebrated with lunch at Mama Chu's and then a BBQ that night at our house.

Easter and random pics!

2009-04-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

We had a good Easter. We dyed eggs which Mya thought was so fun. Despite dying my kitchen pink they turined out beautiful. Emma did an egg too but she just ended up trying to eat it. The girls woke up Sunday morning to see what the Easter bunny had left. Mya's favorite was the Barbie movies and Emma was just happy to have candy. Mya did so good finding all the Easter eggs. The sad part about our Easter was that the girls didn't get to go to church in their Easter dresses because they were both sick. The rest of the pics are just random so enjoy! Oh yah and it snowed yesterday. Isn't it suposed to be April???

First Oreo.

So much for mowing the lawn wouldn't you say?

2009-03-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Emma is 6 months old!!!! I cant believe how fast it went. She is doing so good, she can sit up alone (for a minute, she gets to excited and knocks herself over) and she has learned to scoot on the ground to get things. She LOVES food! She will fight you for whatever you are eating or sit and scream at you till you share. She is in the 25% for weight(14.7 lbs) and height (25 inches).

Mya had her hair cut again. It was so long in the back and short in the front, that it was time to even things out. Kyle really wanted to keep it long, but it was time. Now it is so thick and curly, and pretty. I am so glad we decided to cut it. (thanks Dani! Great job again!)

My first Duathlon!!

2009-03-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. I just signed up for my first Duathlon! It's not till Sept. but I figure since I paid for it and everything, there is no backing out. It's a 5k run followed by a 45k bike. (3.3 miles and 15 miles) Not too hard, but a good start! Training it going good, but I will definitely have to keep going. Wish me luck!

My personal answering machine

2009-02-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

So, lately Mya has decided that she needs to answer the phone. Which is just fine with me, because it's either a telemarketer or my family. But, today I got to listen to a conversation between her and someone from California (that's what the caller id said) It went like this:
Mya- "Hello, how are you?... Good. Oh that sounds great..um...okay, okay that would be great. Oh, wow! Thank you! Well, where is Grandma? Okay, great. Wow. Oh my gosh! Okay, Well I want Shrek, barbie diamond castle.....A dragon! Hello? Bye."
I really wish I knew where she learned that! and if she was really talking to a person or computer. I guess I should be a little more careful who she answerd for--or I might be ordering something I really don't want. My only regret is I didn't have time to grab my camera or video recorder! Kids provide such great entertainment!

Random pictures

2009-02-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

one of my "callings" is the sports director for our YW. It has been SO fun. This year we have won all but one game! They are such great girls and it has been such a blessing to get to know them. I have also had the opportunity to referee the games, which has been a great teaching experience.

Emma is rolling over constantly. She doesn't always mean to, but she loves it. She can usually get what she wants and moves all over the floor by rolling.

This is another great party my mom and Dayna had. It was a tea party. Yes, Mya is dressed like a drag queen, but it was so cute. She picked out her party dress (a pink tutu) and all her play jewelry and hat. She also had 5 purses, all with something in them, but they got left out of the picture. She quickly learned that it is a lot harder to eat when you have stuff hanging off your arms.

My little-big girl! I can't believe she is 2 1/2!

Emma is eating food, but thinks she has to feed herself--which makes it really messy and really funny!

Just a happy girl!

Even princesses have to sleep!

Mya loves to have sleepovers with Emma. I will wake up in the morning and if Mya hears Emma before I do, she will run into her crib and lay down with her. (don't worry, she is not really allowed to sleep in her crib with her, it just makes a really cute picture!)

Emma--isn't she adorable. I love the "Opps, I'm naked" look.

For those who are wondering if we are still alive, the answer is yes. But, I have had no desire to blog. (sad I know) and even worse, I really haven't had anything to blog. My life is so incredibly routine right now that there is not a lot to report or even take pictures of. Here are a few of the pics. I have managed to take. (yes,they are almost entirely of my kids.)

Valentines Day Party!

2009-02-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

My mom is incredible. She always goes out of her way and makes every holiday so fun. This is her Valentines' party for the grandkids. They made adorable heart magnets, frosted sugar cookies and played games. It was so fun! Mya hasn't stopped talking about "her" party! The best part for me was the hour and a half that grandma was in charge, and all I had to do was eat the delicious sugar cookies. (my diet starts tomorrow :) Thanks mom for the great party and for thinking of the girls!!

The Biggets Loser

2009-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

33 pounds less sure makes a difference. Amazing it only took a little over 3 months. Eating right, counting calories and 30 minute workouts did the trick. Even cooler is that I didn't even pay 1 cent to do it! Having to buy new pants is the best problem I have ever had.

A little winter beauty

2009-01-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Enlarge these pictures to see the beautiful ice that formed on the branches.

2009-01-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I haven't posted for a while and got a fun tag from Paige's blog. Enjoy!
ONE WORD TAG

1. Where is your cell phone? somewhere

2.Where is your significant other? work

3. Your Hair? ponytail

4.Your Thoughts? overwhelming

5. Refreshing? spontenuity

6. Your favorite thing? babies

7. Your dream last night? none

8. Your dream/goal? happy

9. The room you're in? bedroom

10. Your hobby? scrapbooking

11. Your fear? unknowns

12. Where do you want to be in 10 years? happy

13. Where were you last night? home

14. What you're not? organized

15. Muffins? sometimes

16. One of your wish list items: jogging stroller

17. Good Memory? wedding

18. The last thing you did? bath

19. What are you wearing?workout clothes

20. Your TV? okay

21.Your pets? NONE

22. Your computer? works

23. Your life? complete

24. Your mood? sleepy

25. Missing someone? yup

26. Your car? nissan

27. Something you're not wearing? swimsuit

28. Favorite store? target

29. Your summer? over

30. Love someone? forever

31. Your favorite color? black

32. When is the last time you laughed? today

33. Last time you cried? today

34. Blogging? slowly

35. What are you not good at? return calls

36. School? someday

37. Your shoes? unpractical

38. Your sister? incredible

39. Your favorite drink? dr pepper

40. Love? unconditional

A huge catch up

2008-12-29T00:02:00.001-08:00

This seems to be the story of my life! But, I got the camera fixed and so I am going to post a few (or a lot) of pictures of somethings that we have been up to. Hope you enjoy!! I know the words don't match up to the pictures, but I have spent over an hour trying to get it to work, and it just won't. So, use your imagination and pretend that they do. or just read and match the pictures as you go, like a wierd, totally not fun game :)

Christmas Day was busy. It was filled with all our family, lots of wrapping paper and once again awesome food!

A Rodriguez Christmas Eve! We had incredible food: Tamales, Shrimp, Pozole, 7 layer and Crab dip, and awesome fudge. And a good peppermint oreo dessert (thanks Dani!) We always have a Shrimp eating contest, and this year I took second. I ate 11 packets of Shrimp. Dante won with 14 and Clay came in 3rd with 10. (I out ate most of the men in the family--sad) Then, my mom gave a wonderful program about service and the true meaning of Christmas, which always makes me cry! Then we got to open the traditional Christmas eve present--PJ'S! and then watch Home Alone 2. It was so fun to be with family and spend time together celebrating Christmas.

The Christmas program. This year Emma got to play baby Jesus, and I once again was Mary. Mya got to be the star and led the wise men (Kyle, Corey and Nate) to us. Then we read the scriptures. It was a simple, yet meaningful program. (I know I look like a gypsy, but I am suppose to be. Mary!) Kyle's grandparents got to be the sheperds or sheep, I am not sure, but they played their parts well.

12-1-08 Trimming the tree. I LOVE Christmas time and especially starting off the holiday by getting a tree. We always find the best(and cheapest) trees at Rite Aid, so we went there first this year, and as usual they didn't disappoint. We got a beautiful tree! Mya was able to help but on the ornaments this year, and Emma couldn't stop looking at the lights. It was a great night and we got to be together as a family!

Thanksgiving was great. We spent the day with Kyle's family. It was a nice, quiet relaxing day. The food was good and it was fun to sit and listen to Grandpa Norm's old stories. It was a great first Thanksgiving for Emma.

Emma is growing like a weed and Mya is soon to be the shrimp of the family. I think Emma has figured out that the only way that Mya is going to stop picking on her is if she out grows her, so that is what she is doing. Still, no matter how picked on she is, Emma is always smiling. Even when her sister is on top of her(Literally) Mya is way to good of a helper and loves her sister a little to much. I can't wait till they can play with eachother and will be best friends. (fingers crossed!)

11-02-08 Emma's blessing was perfect. Kyle did a great job as usual and it was so nice to have the family over. It was a little crowded(kinda like a clown car) but now we know we can fit 35 people in there! Emma was a complete angel that day and didn't cry once. The only down side was it was raining pretty hard and I got left at the church with no car keys. Luckily my cousin Brian stayed and made sure I got home!

11-14-08 Disney on Ice--So fun, but really long. Mya loved it, but was confused by the intermission and the fact they showed the princesses first it was hard to keep her attention after that. It was "almost" as good as being at disneyland! (okay, not even close, but a ton cheaper!)]

IT'S DONE!!

2008-12-28T19:57:00.001-08:00

My little Mya is potty trained! I am so excited. The best part is I didn't do a thing. I was more than willing to let her stay in diapers, but she was ready. She basically trained herself. It's been great. In three weeks, she has only had 2 accidents and they were at night, while we were out of town. So no more diapers!!! We are so proud of her and it was way easier than I thought (or I know it is suppose to be. ;)

For all you moms, a little Christmas humor!

2008-12-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
>
> I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned
> and cuddled my children on demand, visited their
> doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two
> cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on
> the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list
> out over several Christmases, since I had to write this
> letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a
> receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows
> when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
>
> Here are my Christmas wishes:
>
> I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any
> color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that
> don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough
> to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle In the
> grocery store.
>
> I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in
> the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
>
> If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd
> like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only
> plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast
> any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator
> with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can
> hide to talk on the phone.
>
> On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that
> says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental
> confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and
> three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without
> the use of power tools.
>
> I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting
> "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take
> your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to
> be just out of my children's hearing range and can only
> be heard by the dog.
>
> If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd
> settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in
> the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than
> room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam
> container.
>
> If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas
> miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too
> much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear
> my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could
> coerce my children to help around the house without
> demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized
> crime family.
>
> Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son
> saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants
> his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your
> wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you
> don't catch cold.
>
> Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too
> many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
>
> Yours Always,
>
> MOM...
>
> P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you
> can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
>
> *Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the
> mommies you know
>

The most wonderful 4 years!

2008-12-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is our 4 yr. anniversary. I just wanted to take a moment and tell Kyle how much I love him. We heard of each other through his grandma and mom, but it was actually fate that brought us together. I got sick the day of our first date, so I cancelled and Kyle thought I was ditching out, and that's where it would have ended if we didn't end up in the same singles ward. Things went from there, and we have been together ever since. We have had our ups and downs like every married couple, but I can honestly say that it has been wonderful! Kyle, I have so many incredible memories with you and look forward to years of many more. You are my best friend, my rock and my eternal companion. I could not have been given a better companion. Thank you for making life wonderful. Thank you for working long, hard hours so that I can be home. Thank you for giving so much(mostly sleep :) so that we can do things as a family, and so that we can make memories. I love spending time with you, even if it is just watching tv or going on long drives with you. I am so happy to be a parent with you, thank you for our beautiful daughters and for being the best dad to them. I love watching both their faces light up when they see you. You are the best provider, husband, friend and dad. I am truly blessed.

Family Pictures

2008-12-15T21:06:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile!

2008-12-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

I have to say I have totally neglected my blog, and I am sorry.For all of you who are going through "groves withdrawls" I will catch up on our little life adventures! Since I still can't add pictures to my blog through my computer, and never remember to take my camera to my mom's, there is a serious lack of pictures--and a lack of desire to journal nothing :) But, we have had a fun few weeks.
First was Emma's blessing. It was a great day and we had all our family there. It was awesome. And the amazing part is we managed to fit 35 people in my little house. (we kinda had a clown car thing going on, but it was fun) She looked like an angel and didn't make a sound the entire prayer. Kyle did a great job as usual. Then it was on to Thanksgiving, which was awesome. We got to spend the day with Kyle's family and have a quiet, delicious meal. Then we topped of the day at my mom's going through Friday's adds and planning our shopping strategy :)
I love black Friday, and being a shopping lover--but a lover of good deals even more, it is my favorite day! I look forward to this day just as much as Christmas. I know I am weird. There is something about waking up with 3-4 hours of sleep, having a huge turkey hangover and fighting hundreds of people who are just as sleep deprived and delirious for toys, movies and anything else that is "too good to pass up" Who ever invented this day is a genious!
Emma turned two months and with that had her first real doctors visit. She is a whopping 11 lbs and 22.5 inches- 50% for both height and weight. But has a 16 inch head- 75% percentile. (WOW, big head, little body ;) She got her first rounds of immunizations and took them as well as expected. She spent the rest of the day sleeping and most of the next day as well.
We also got family pictures. We went to Target's portrait studio, which suprisingly was great. They did an excellent job, were fast and great with Mya and Emma. I will definitely be going back. Not to mention we got $100 worth of pictures for $20.
And last but not least, my little angel has started to sleep through the night. I could not be happier. The earlier I put her to bed, the later she sleeps in the next morning! Now only if I could get my two year old to do the same thing! Besides that we are just getting ready for Christmas and enjoying our crazy awesome life!

Our Mad Skillzzzz!

2008-12-04T22:10:00.001-08:00

Yah, so we were in a little musical. You may have heard of it.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Halloween!

2008-11-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

Halloween came and went. Now, on to turkey! Here are the pictures. Enjoy!

Here we are at Pumpkin Land right near our house. It was Halloweenarific! As you might tell, this is not Delynn posting this section of the Blog. It is I! Kyle! You better believe it. Husbands can blog too ya know. I just happen to be in touch with my feminine side. Now that I've cleared that up I will continue with my posting. Delynn was a pirate. Gosh, she so hot! Mya was a pretty, pretty princess and Emma was a little kitty. We went to the ward Halloween party and just because I love my wife I dressed up too. My old football jersey is not much of a costume but Delynn asked nicely so i caved. Delynn put mascara under my eyes and it almost made me look like the real deal. Enjoy the pictures and this is Kyle signing off.

Mya definitely has her mothers eyes wouldn't you say?

Corn Maze

2008-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

I just love going to the corn maze! it's one of my favorite fall activities. I mean who wouldn't love paying someone else to run around and get lost in a bunch of CORN! It's wonderful! j/K I REALLY do like the corn maze and Mya had a blast with all the animals. We went to HEE HAWS twice, once with just our little family and then again with my whole family (the rodriguez side) It was a great way to spend both the days and we got thru the maze in record time--with 3 kids, 3 potentially onrey husbands and one nursing baby I was honestly a little worried about walking around lost in corn for hours! The weather was perfect and afterwards we went to Panda Express for lunch. Who can complain! We were sad Dani and Tom couldn't be with us, but they were too busy on their honeymoon cruise!

2008-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

So, this morning kyle was getting ready to take Mya to church and I was taking a well needed nap. I wake up to this conversation:

Kyle: what dress should Mya wear?
Me: the purple one
Kyle: (holding up a sleeveless purple summer dress) what should I put under it?
Me: no, the purple sweater dress.

and then a few minutes later Mya comes to tell me goodbye wearing this--

My husband is awesome and sometimes takes things a little too literal! It gave me a great laugh, and needless to say she went to church wearing both dresses :)

Finally baby pictures!!

2008-10-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Finally here are some baby pictures. Our little Emma is not so little anymore. She is already one month old and over 9 lbs and 21 inches! It went by way to fast, but we have loved every minute!

Kyle's surgery

2008-10-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Baby Groves!!

2008-09-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting sooner and for not having pictures, We are having difficulties with our camera. But... Baby groves is finally here and SUPRISE it's a GIRL!!! Emma Lynn Groves was born on 9/22/08 @ 12:12 pm. She weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 19 inches long. She has dark hair and big eyes like her sister and of course she looks just like her daddy. We were completely shocked when he came out a she, and it took a moment for it to set in. I wasn't sure if I should cry or laugh. But, we are incredibly happy and we are so glad she is here. I will post pictures as soon as I can figure out how. :)

GRRRRR!

2008-09-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

Really, I am so sick of this emotional roller coaster, as I am sure you are all sick of reading about it. I woke up this morning at 6:00 am, called the hospital and then waited the entire day to get called in to be induced. By 4:00 I called to see how close they were to getting to my name (of apparently a long list of inductions) at this point they tell me that my Dr. had called and cancelled all of the inductions and wouldn't be doing any till Monday. My doctor called at the same time and said that the hospital was so overwhelmed with the (incredibly lucky) natural births that they wouldn't take any inductions. I was crushed. I went into his office, holding back tears, for a weekly check up since I wouldn't be having the baby this week, then scheduled another date for Monday. So, as of today--No baby groves for 6 more days. So, unless I am lucky enough to go into labor on my own (doubtful) I am stuck waiting. which I have decided I am not so good at. Hopefully my next post will be with baby pictures and better news. so for now, enjoy my incredibly huge 39 week pregnancy photos.

Baby Groves room

2008-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

So, I decided I should probably get the baby's room finished BEFORE he comes. Sadly, this is no longer going to be possible, since I have till tuesday.(for those who didn't hear, I am definitely going to be induced on the 16th) The only thing left is to put up chair rail and the final finishing touches. Here are the before and after pictures so far. Just try to imagine it completed. I am still going to put up a shelf and some picture frames, but hopefully you get the idea. It took me 2 months to sew the curtain and dust ruffle on the crib and 2 days for my mom to sew the bumper pads and sheet. Someday I will be as good or dedicated to sewing as she is.
Before and after pictures--

Dr. Update

2008-09-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted any pictures for a really long time, I promise as soon as I take some I will :) Poor Mya, she is a little camera deprived lately. I have packed it away with the Video recorder in my hospital bag, so that I make sure we don't forget it! Thanks everyone for your encouraging thoughts and suggestions. It's good to hear I am not the only one who suffers! :)
Well, I went to the Dr.'s on Tuesday and it was not a happy day. I found out that I am still measuring big, but since it's a healthy normal pregnancy, Utah Valley hospital won't let me be induced any sooner than 7 days (hospital policy I guess) So, my hopes of the 16th are out of the picture. My wonderful Dr. who has decided to vacation more than deliver babies, will be out of town so the 18 or 19 is out of the question (which would be exactly 7 days before my actual due date) The soonest I could be induced is the 21 or 22, which is only 3 days before my original due date, so at this point I am just going to do everything in my power to deliver before then. I have made it a goal to go walking everyday and have resorted to everything from mowing the lawn to wrestling with Mya. So far nothing has worked :( I am actually kinda glad, secretly. I am wanting to be done so bad, but since I was induced with Mya, I have never had my "t.v." pregnancy as Kyle calls it. I am excited to get to wake up feeling contractions or even feeling them in the first place and rushing to the hospital. I know I will regret that as soon as the start, but it will be fun to have a normal pregancy, without cheating. Plus, I have decided that I get to enjoy more time with Mya. Kyle and I never really enjoyed the time we had together before Mya, being to able to go anywhere and do anything without kids, and now I regret that. So, I decided that before this baby comes I am going to enjoy "just Mya" time. Like going to the store with only one kid, going to the library or just being able to focus all the attention on her. Now, I am actually kinda sad that I won't have more time to spend with her, and am more than willing to wait the 20 days to deliver! Funny how little changes in your perspective can effect everything! My mom is happy that she will have a little breathing time in between my sisters wedding and the baby. All in all it has turned out to be the best news, just not what I wanted to hear. I am dialated to a 2 and 80% effaced so something is happening i guess.

Random thoughts

2008-08-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

So, I realize I have been neglecting my blog a little bit. Mostly because I have been trying so hard to avoid complaining and I just know that if I start writing I will most likely start. Not that I don't have a great life, just right now it's an uncomfortable one (thanks baby groves!) :) My poor husband who has to put up with me! But I am pretty sure it is somewhere in the wedding vows to listen lovelingly to your wives non-stop, pregnant, hormonal complaining. Right? This pregnancy has been so much harder than the first, from what I remember. Not that it is a bad one, everything is healthy and going great, I just don't remember a time where my back has hurt so much or just the constant feeling of uncomfortableness. My friend did tell me that her boy pregnancies were way harder than her girls, but she could just be making me feel better. (See, I told you once I got started it would end up being a whine-fest!) Well, the good news is I will be induced on the 16th, if by some miracle I get to go sooner! So, as of today I only have 15 days left! That's basically two weeks. Luckily, unlike my first pregnancy, I feel totally ready. I have managed to wash and organize my entire house, wash walls and get all the baby clothes washed. I also have me and mya's bags packed and the car seat in the car. The only thing missing or not done is choosing a name. Yes, I know it's kind of an important thing, but we can't decide on one. Hopefully, when I hold the little guy, or see him for the first time it will just come to me. So as of now it's just a waiting game, hopefully it will be over soon! I go to the doctors tomorrow and he'd better tell me I am close or at least started. If not I think I will cry, seriously.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2008-08-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

It is my wonderful mom's birthday today! I can't even begin to describe how incredible she is. I am so blessed to have her as a mother and friend. There is never a time where she isn't helping or teaching or just being there for me. She is always willing to help out and give 110% to every project. I have no idea how she does all the things that she does, from being a full time mom, full time grandma, and 1st counselor in the Stake Young Women's, AND managing to always have food on the table, (for whoever is there, not just the 2 kids living there.) a spotless house and some incredible project that she is working on. (right now it would be my bumper pads, my sisters wedding and stake standards night and running for some position in the school district or something like that) and on top of all of this, you will never hear her complain. I swear she gets an extra 3-4 hours a day that the rest of us don't. Plus, she has one of the strongest, most incredible testimonies that she lives every day. Just being with her you can feel the love the Savior has for her and her unwaivering testimony and love that she has for Him! I am pretty sure that growing up I probably always said I never want to be like my parents, But I can honestly say and hope that some day I will be able to be just like my mom! Anyone who knows her is almost instantly friends with her and she has no problem talking to anyone and listening. I couldn't ask for a better role model, hero, best friend and more importantly MOM! I Love you so much! I hope you have a great day!

Mya's birthday, Dr updates and more!

2008-08-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

7/27/08
Happy 2nd Birthday Mya! I love you so much and can't believe you are two! I love sharing the same birthday together and can't wait for next year.
For her birthday we had a small family bar-b-que, but of course, it was crappy weather. I am beginning to think that we are never going to have good weather on that day. Her first birthday it was windy, this year it was raining! We ended up setting up tables in the garage and eating there. It worked out good, and everyone seemed to have a great time. I decided to be ambitious and make her cake this year, and I ran out of time, between church and everyone coming, i only had 1 hour, so I was a little rushed. I think I will leave it to the professionals at Costco from now on. It was so fun to have everyone over to our "once a year gathering at the Groves house" as Kyle likes to call it.
The next day we took Mya back to the Doctor's to find out the test results and have her two year check up. She weighs a whopping 25 lbs, and 35 inches. She is finally in the 50% for both! (so, kyle you were wrong, she won't be a shrimp forever!) We didn't find out much about her little passing out episode, but they said her iron is low and they have found that it contributes to one of the causes of breath holding spells. So, she are now taking iron supplements everyday and will go back in 6 months and re-test. Hopefully we don't have any more. If she does, while on the iron, then we start a cardiogram, echogram and MRI's. Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers, thoughts and just being there. It's nice to know so many people care. I am just glad that it doesn't seem to be anything major at the moment.
Then, it was my turn to go to the Dr's. I was so bummed when I had to weigh in. I gained way more than I wanted to, but I am still under 15 lbs. total. I had my blood taken and found out that I am anemic also. (I must not be a very good mom, both me and mya are anemic,and Kyle just hasn't been tested. I guess I should be pushing the spinach and liver more!) So, feeling completely wasted and no energy, is again not just in my head. I figured it was just part of being pregnant, but I guess not this much. At least now there is a reason to why I want to sleep all day long! (Sorry Kyle!) We go back in for another check up and hopefully set my induction date for reals. If I get my way I will be having the baby on the 19th. We will let you know! :)

Goodbye Molly!!!

2008-08-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

At the end of July, one of my good friends Molly moved to Georgia. I am so sad that she is gone, and wish that we could have spent more time together before she went. However, I am going to give my little tribute and goodbye to her via blogging--so hopefully you won't be too embarrassed Molly :)
Molly and i met through her sister-in-law Summer. She was the hygienist at the office I worked at and Molly was soon-to-be off her mission and looking for a job. As fate would have it she got hired as the office manager and I am so glad she did! We had so much fun goofing off, sleeping in the dental chairs at lunch, and pretty much talking whenever we could. Let's just say when she quit, my productivity went through the roof! We also got to go on a last minute trip to Disneyland, with the infamous "ghetto blaster" a old, barely working white CD player that was our only source of music. (which I still have! but thankfully don't have to use.) It was so much fun!! I have never been on a more fun vacation that was on the spur of the moment! We stopped in Vegas on the way back and for some stupid reason I rode the stratosphere with her. (which if you know me, you know me and heights don't really mix) I have the best picture to prove it! I can't thank you enough Molly for the awesome time! And bless her heart, she listened to me for 16 hours straight, almost non-stop about Kyle and our relationship and why he hadn't proposed yet and on and on. I think I would have thrown myself out of the car, but she is such a great listener. Even after we got back, she still listened to me complain!! Then, there was Christmas--doing the 12 days of Christmas, and our second trip to California, my bridal shower, and the list goes on and on!!
Thank you so much Molly for being such a great friend. Georgia is so lucky to have such a wonderful person, and I know that people there will be so blessed to have you in there lives! I am sorry we didn't get together before you left, but the next time you come out, PLEASE let me know and we can get together then! (p.s. sorry about the picture molly, it was the best I could find and the moment. I will replace it with a better one asap! :)

Memory Game

2008-07-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess the new thing to do is play the memory game. And since I don't want to be left out, I have decided to play too. For those of you who don't know the rules, here they are:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you remember me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you! If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing and leave a memory about you on your blog!

Hope that some of you have some happy and good memories and I can't wait to read them :)

A lot to report!

2008-07-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

So, I have been slacking again with my blogs and I have decided to do a quick catch up. This is bound to be a long, and possibly boring blog, so if you have nothing else to do, please read on. Kyle took the liberty of blogging Mya's first camping trip. I will have to add that it was a great success and start of a wonderful week, Mya kept on calling the camp fire "happy birthday fireworks" I guess it goes to show how many times and when she is around fire. For more about that adventure read the Skyline drive post. Our next adventure was the zoo.
ZOO
I happen to love going to the zoo, but my hubby has a different opinion. Mya took my side of course! She loved it! Almost every animal we looked at was either eating or sleeping, so when you ask her how the zoo was she just says, "animals hungry" It's quite adorable. It was so hot, and I was smart enough to wear black and layers (did you catch the sarcasm) and being 8 months pregnant I was dying. To make things worse I wore my "safari" shirt. Kyle thought it was so funny to come up to me and start asking me questions about the animals and stuff, like I worked there. People would look at me and expect me to answer. (not so funny.) It was a great day, but I could have done without the heat! It was also mya's first time experiencing the joys of a snow cone. She loves to chew ice normally, so with the added sugar and flavoring she was in heaven! (even though more ended up on the floor and on her shirt than in her mouth!)

On Tuesday, we went to Winger's for our birthdays. The food was great of course, and who can beat the asphalt pie. Kyle and Mya got a little carried away with the whipped cream, but it was all for fun. Afterwards my sister took mya (thanks so much Dlayne!) and Kyle and I went to Dark Knight (i think that's what it's called.) It was good, but very dark. The movie theater didn't have the A/C on, so it was so uncomfortably hot and the movie seemed so long! But, it was great to have a date with Kyle.

SEVEN PEAKS!

We took my little brother and his friend to Seven peaks on Wednesday. It was the perfect day to go, the weather was great and it wasn't too crowded (for seven peaks) Mya loved playing in the water and wanted to go on the slides so bad,(maybe next time) I was a little disappointed to find out that they won't let pregnant people go down the slides, but i guess it's for a good reason. We were only there for a few hours, but everyone seemed to have fun, and we all got some good color. Thanks Kim for the tickets, I owe you one! :)

Thursday was Kyle's Birthday! I just want to say happy birthday to my wonderful husband and let him know how much I love him. I have never met a harder working man with so much dedication and ambition. He is such a wonderful dad and example. I am so lucky to have him as my eternal companion! I know I have said that so many times, but it's true.He brings so much happiness in my life and I can't think of anyone I would rather be with. I love every minute we get to spend together! From day one I have been so comfortable around him and he has been my best friend. We have gone through so much together and can't wait to see what life brings. This was only the 2nd out of 4 birthdays, since I met him that we got to spend the entire day together. Sadly, I dropped the ball this year and didn't do anything great. We went fishing, up the alpine loop and then just relaxed the rest of the day. We also watched vantage point, which was very frustrating and entertaining at the same time. Then we went to Sandy City to visit his twin Corey. Mya got to sit in the fire truck and even got fire hat to take home! Happy birthday my love! I can't wait so spend so many more with you!!

We also had quite the scare with Mya on his birthday. We were trying to go down to the lake for a picnic and to play in the water, but Mya wasn't cooperating. She wouldn't get dressed. So I was trying to "catch" her and she lost her balance and fell onto the T.V. stand (it sounds so much worse than what it actually was, she basically sat down on the t.v. stand) She stood up and wanted a hug so I went and was holding her and all of a sudden her body went limp and she stopped crying. I laid her down so I could see her face and she wasn't breathing. Her lips were bright blue and her eyes were glazed over. I lost it, I was screaming franticly for Kyle and crying so hard (way to be under pressure right!?). He ran into the room and when he touched her, she suddenly came to and started to cry again. We stood her up and she threw up everywhere, which made me even more panicked. After holding her and trying to calm us both down, she got up and started playing again like nothing happened. It took me almost an hour to stop crying and after talking to some of the paramedics that work with Corey and being reassured that nothing was seriously wrong, I finally calmed down. Kyle and I slept on her floor just to make sure we could hear her breathing constantly through the night. First thing this morning, I called my doctor and we went in to have her checked. He said that luckily it's most likely only breath holding spells, which are harmless but can happen quite frequently once they start. At least isn't not seizures or something worse. Mya had to get her blood drawn, which is ten times worse than shots! And we go back in on Tuesday to find out what's going on. It was the worse thing I have ever had to witness and I will never get that picture of my little baby laying unconcious on the floor! It was horrific and I hope no mom has to go through that more than once! She is our world, absolutely everything to us, and I can't imagine anything happening to her. I can't wait till tuesday to find out that everything is okay.
Well, that was long, but hopefully now I am totally caught up until Sunday when Mya turns 2 and I turn 23! Crazy, but it has to happen sometime right?

Skyline camping!

2008-07-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it's my first time at this but Lynny wanted me to contribute so here we go.
I just have to say that with out a doubt Skyline Drive up Manti Lasal National Forest has to be one of Utah's best scenic drives and camping spots around. I have been going out there since I was 15 years old and it's still as beautiful as the first time I went. The hunting out there is good and the views in the fall are hands down the best around. Lynny, Mya and I decided that we should drive up there and spend the night. It was awesome! We picked a spot with a view to die for. The views of the valleys from the top dip down for miles. It feels like you're on top of the world up there! We saw so many deer and even had a buck walk right into our camp not 30 yards from our fire. I took our telescope and we were able to not only watch all of the wildlife around us but see the full moon that came out that night. The stars were beautiful as well. Lynny didn't sleep all that well considering she has a little human being in her belly but she toughed it out. She is a trooper. I love her. I love Skyline Drive too! I'm not afraid of loosing our awesome camping spot to anyone who reads this because you would have a hard time finding it even if I told you how to get there. Skyline Drive is huge so your choice of spots are endless. I suggest a spot up top somewhere where you can see for miles. There is a lot of open space up top. The next morning We dropped down into Fairview where we headed north to one of my favorite fishing spots up Nebo Creek. Even though it was freezing Mya couldn't stay out of the water and even fished a little with me but mostly just threw rocks in the water. She is my little mountain girl I think. We'll be back out for more for sure!!!

Our awesome 4th of July!

2008-07-05T21:10:00.001-07:00

What a busy day! The night before we did fireworks, and had quite the turn out. All the little girls on our street can to watch. Mya had more fun playing with them, than she did watching the fireworks! The next morning we were going to wake up and go see the hot air ballons in Provo, but when 5 am rolled around, I just couldn't get out of bed. Mya had been up the night before till 12:30 (thanks to her 8:00 nap) and just had a rough night. I swear lately she is more like a 6 month old than a 2 yr old...but that's another story. So, I woke up periodically after my alarm went of and finally got up at 6:30. I got ready and then woke up Kyle and Mya so we could at least make it to the parade! (thanks Dayna,Dani,Ethan and Alyssa for the great parade spot!) We got there at 8:30, just in time for the pre-parade. Mya likes parades for the most part, but she hates the loud noises. She doesn't do well with the fire engines or loud cannons and such. This parade her inner band geek came through.(no offense to anyone who is, was or will be in a marching band :) Everytime there was a band she was up clapping and dancing. Afterwards we went straight to Kyle's grandparents to visit. The next stop was my parents for a bar-b-que. My mom had pulled out the pool and the little girls had so much fun swimming. Mya spend the entire time in the pool. Afterwards the water was a nice mixture of hot dogs, ice cream and cone, otter pops and whatever her and Eva were eating at the time (GROSS!)Kyle had to work so I went up to Sandy City with Dlayne to watch another parade and walk around the booths. Yes, two parades in one day! We got to visit with Uncle Corey, Kyle's twin, who had to work up there that day. We ended the crazy, non-stop day watching fireworks up in Sandy. It was so fun and we loved being with family the entire day, but it was a very long day with no naps and in the hot sun all day. I was so happy to get home and go to bed! I hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July!

Third Trimester

2008-07-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

So, I have officially made it to the third trimester! I feel huge and my awesome sister was kind enough to try and make me feel better, but the fact is I am almost as big as she is, and I don't have a basketball shoved up my shirt! It did make a great picture though and the only one I have of me showing my pregnant belly! I can't believe how fast it has gone and how much I still have to do! Sadly, I still have not taken an "pregnancy photo." Everytime I think about taking one, I am alone and have no camera. Maybe I will get one before the little guy gets here. We are almost done with painting the room, and sewing the bedding, next step is getting Mya to sleep in a "big girl bed" and moving all the furniture around.
An Update from the doctor:
Everything is going great. I have managed to only gain 9 pounds so far total! (YES!!!! it beats gaining 40--which is what I gained with Mya!) I am not sure how, I am pretty sure my Caramello diet has nothing to do with it. :) But, I am proud of the fact that I haven't had to start wearing maternity pants yet! I am however measuring 4 weeks big. (so not only am I feeling huge, but this time it's for real! i am bigger than I am suppose to be!) My wonderful doctor told me I should be planning on a 9 pounder easily. (Not thrilled about that!) For that reason I will be induced or if I do go naturally I will most likely have to have a C-section. So, my due date has moved from the 25th to the 16th (most likely) It could be as early as the 9th, if we have an excuse to deliver that early. (doesn't uncomfortableness count as a good enough excuse?!) So, hopefully everything continues to go smoothly. I will keep you posted!

An incredible weekend!

2008-06-17T15:54:00.001-07:00

We had such a great week and weekend! It was really busy and productive, but lots of fun. I started the week by going to Gardner's village with my mom and sisters, in search of the perfect fabric to make bumper pads and bedding and room decor for the baby. I am so picky and was hoping to find something there. Well, we didn't find and decor (for a boys room anyways) But I did find my ideal fabric. Of course I had to go home and approve my decision with Kyle, so I just took home a sample. By the next morning I was in love with it and just had to have it. So it was back up to West Jordan, and this time I made Kyle go with me. Mya loved feeding the ducks! It was just great weather and it was nice to be outside. Then it was on to painting the office. After 2 months of trying to get it cleaned out and ready to be turned into baby groves (no name yet) room, it finally was done and ready to paint. (what can I say, I have had no motivation--what happended to the so called nesting stage? I am still waiting for that to kick in!:) So, it we finally primed it and got rid of the khaki color that was there. Then, we decided on friday it would be fun to Hike to Timp Caves. Now, most people think this is no big deal, and frankly the 3 mile hike shouldn't be that amazing. BUT, considering that I am 6 1/2 months prego, I was so proud of myself! We took my little brother with us, and everyone had a great time. Mya didn't enjoy the hike down, but that's because it was her nap time. On Saturday we went to Summerfest with my family and had so much fun. Mya loved the rides, especially the ones where she got to"drive" She kept asking to drive, and after 5 times I had enough and we went to the boats. Luckily there were steering wheels there too, so she was happy. Then, we watched the parade and fireworks. Summerfest is the beginning of summer to me. I get so excited and "giddy" it's really kinda pathetic, but it makes me happy. We ended our amazingly fun and productive week by going swimming. Mya loved it so much! I didn't think she would like it as much as she did. She will be a great swimmer! Kyle made her a pool/slide while I was at work, and by the look on her face, she loves it! I can't wait till next weekend, which should be just as fun and busy!

CONGRATS!!!

2008-06-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Congrats to my little sister, Dani and her new fiancee Tom. They just got engaged this past week. We are so happy for both of them and can't wait for them to start life together!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell Kyle happy father's day and to let him know how wonderful he is! He is such a great dad, and has so much patience for Mya. Kyle, I hope you know how incredible you are and that you are not just a great husband, but such a great dad. I love watching you play with Mya, and taking the time to really make sure she knows she is loved. Thank you for working so hard and for sacraficing so much more than just sleep so that we can have a good life and so that I can stay home and raise Mya. I am so excited to watch you with our little boy, who is coming, and watching you teach him and play with him and do all the manly boy things that Mya and I don't do or want to do. I wouldn't want anyone else as the father to our kids, and I am so glad that we will be together for eternity. Thank you for being the man that you are and for always striving for more! I love you so much! Happy Father's day!

I also want to tell my dad thank you and I love you! I am so glad that I was raised by such an honest, hard working man. There has never been a time that my dad hasn't been there to help, whether it's helping me move-or just giving me advice. He always going above and beyond what's expected. I have never met a more generous person! He has worked so hard for his family, and has given us everything, including wonderful family memories. He has always put his family first and made sure we were a priority. He was always there to coach our softball teams, or just show his support at science fairs, even when he was going on no sleep. It has been so fun to watch him as a grandpa, and to see the way that Mya adores him. She only knows how to say grandpa, and while she acts like she hates it when they wrestle or get beat up, she secretly loves it and always asks to go see grandpa! Thank you dad for being the best there is and for being such a wonderful example. I love you so much and have been so blessed to be your daughter!

Thanksgiving Point!

2008-06-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Thanksgiving Points animal farm and dinosaur museum. It was so such great weather and so nice to get out of the house. We went with Corey and his girlfriend, Shaundel. Mya loved the animals, and actually did the pony ride this time (last time she just screamed and wouldn't go near them!) She kept saying the whole time, "my pony, my pony." I was afraid we were going to have a problem when we didn't take one home! Luckily, she was distracted by the museum. She had so much fun, but kept looking around for the fish and live animals. She's not quite ready to understand dead things and bones yet--or why it should be interesting. Either way, it was a great day!

I did it!

2008-05-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

This summer we decided to get Mya a swingset as an early birthday present. I was so excited to set it up, but didn't realize how long it would take! The instructions were horrible, and the pieces weren't marked. After 5 hours, taking it apart 3 times, and 4 screws left over(I am not sure if I skipped a part or if they were extra) the swing set is done. I did it all by myself, with a little help from Mya. She was so excited and wouldn't wait to swing until it was all put together! She loves it, and now we don't have to fight all the other kids at the park everyday!

Mya's New slide

2008-05-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Kyle, this is for you. I hope you enjoy it. She loved the slide and misses you so much! We can't wait till you are home and can watch her go down in person! We love you!!! (in the end she is running to the house to find you. She looked everywhere, it was actually really sad!)

Dayna goes to Prom!

2008-05-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

My beautiful baby sister Dayna went to Prom this past weekend! She went with Ethan(um..don't know his last name) And they looked so cute together! I can't believe she is old enough to go to prom, and I am especially jealous of how gorgeous she looked! I was so glad she was using my hair pins or I probably wouldn't have been there to see her get ready or go! (Sorry about the embarrasing picture taking Dayna--but I needed something for my blog!) I had the hardest time getting them to act like a date, in every picture they were standing 2 feet apart- so after some gentle persuasion, we finally got some pictures of them looking like a couple.
Mya got sick of all the primping and dress talk, so he climbed up on my parents bed and fell asleep. I totally thought she would have been excited about Dayna's "pretty pretty's" and all the make-up everywhere. Maybe in a few years :)

The living Planetarium

2008-05-09T14:51:00.001-07:00

Today we took Mya up to Sandy City to the Living Planetarium. It was so much fun! I didn't think she would like it as much as she did, but we had the hardest time getting her to leave. Her favorite was by far the sharks. She didn't care much for the stingrays (you could touch them) But she loved playing in the water. It wasn't as big as I thought it would be and I thought it was kinda expensive for what there was (it was $8 an adult and 3+ had to pay too), but it was good for at least an hour or two of fun. There were only two exhibits- utah marine life, which was just that, mostly trout and frogs, but Mya loved it. She was so excited to see the frogs, until they moved and then she just got freaked out. The second exhibit was ocean life, which is where the sharks and stingrays were. There were also really cool jellyfish(which Mya was terrified of) and everything from octopus's to sea horses. If your kids like fish or even like to watch Finding Nemo, (which Mya loves!) then they will love this place! It's something to do until Utah decides what season we are in!

2008-04-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!!!!

We found out yesterday that we are expecting a boy! I am still in shock. I didn't think it was possible for a Rodriguez girl to even have a boy, but I guess I broke the curse! Kyle and I couldn't be more happy, and are excited to try our hand at boys. I think Mya will be so happy to have someone to play rough with! (I am not the best at wrestling, and she has figured it out already that she can beat me! She has already given me a bloody nose!) The Dr. said everything is good and he looks very healthy and he is measuring exactly with my due date, Sept 25. It still is so weird to think that I am having a boy and calling the baby a "he". I was all ready to have another girl, and had everything planned. Now it's back to square one, and back to baby shopping! (YES!!!) So, for all of you that have boys....where is a cute place to find clothes? :)

What do you think?

2008-04-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am to the point where I am dying to find out what I am having! I can hardly wait for the ultrasound (which thankfully is tomorrow:)!!! So far I have had most people tell me I am having a boy, and everyone in my family says it's a girl. What do you think? I am just curious to know what people think I am having, and if you have any great name ideas for either gender--feel free to pass that along too!

Time flies!

2008-04-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our High school reunion is next month! Five years has flown by! I look back at everything I wanted to have done, and everything that I have actually done and the lists are very different, but good. I never thought I would be where I am today, married with one kid and another on the way! But I am so happy about the way my life has turned out and I wouldn't change it for anything. I am so blessed and am happier than I could have dreamed of! While I was spring cleaning I found all my old high school and dance pictures, I can't believe all the fun (and crazy) memories I have. It was such a fun time! i am so glad I have been able to keep in touch with most of my friends and been apart of your lives and seeing the changes everyone is going through! I hope to see everyone at the reunion! OR hopefully we will get together before then! :)

2008-04-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Tag A-Z

A- ATTACHED OR SINGLE: attached
B- BEST FRIEND: Kyle
C- CAKE OR PIE: cake w/o frosting
D- DAY OF CHOICE: Friday
E- ESSENTIAL ITEM: mascara
F- FAVORITE COLOR: Black (that's a color right? or maybe a hue?)
G- GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: being a mom
H- HOMETOWN: Orem Ut
I- INDULGENCES: french fries and cheesecake
J- JANUARY OR JULY: July, the hotter the better!
K- KIDS: One and a 1/2
L- LIFE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: My husband and daughter, family and religion
M- MARRIAGE DATE: December 17
N- NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 4
O- ORANGES OR APPLES: apples, if they are red. If not then definitely oranges
P- PHOBIAS OR FEARS: The people dressed up in character costumes, (like mickey mouse and the BYU mascot) Spiders,
Q- QUOTES: depends on my mood.
R- REASON TO SMILE: All the adorable things Mya does, a clean house, no laundry to do
S- SEASON: Fall and summer are tied
T- TAG FIVE FRIENDS: Yersa, Mckell, Natalie, Amy and Melissa
U- UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I hate ballons
V- VERY FAVORITE STORE: Old navy, Aeropostal, anywhere there's a great sale
W- WORST HABIT: not cleaning my cars as often as I should
X- X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND: Ultrasound, i think. I am not quite sure what this question is asking.
Y- YOUR FAVORITE FOOD: French fries and Cheeseburgers, pizza, pasta...well, actually just food.
Z- ZODIAC: Leo

Pure laziness!

2008-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am officially not a great blogger. I am horrible at remembering to post new things. So, if you haven't noticed I have a lovely habit of posting 3 or 4 things all at once. Not that anyone really cares, but if you do happen to check my blog, scroll down a few times and see all the new ones, not just the top one. Someday, I am seriously hoping, someday I will be able to be organized and remember half the things I should do and a third of the things I want to do! As soon as I remember what I should have done yesterday, I have already forgotten what I was suppose to do today. (Hence the reason my blog is always behind, it falls way low on the memory list.) For now, I am totally blaming it on the pregnancy. It's totally true--you lose your mind and memory when you are pregnant! And when this fun adventure is over, I will blame it on the fact that I have two children!

Congrats Uncle Corey!!

2008-04-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Kyle's twin, Corey, is an official Firefighter for Sandy City. We are so proud of him and the hard work he did to get there. These are the pictures from his swearing in ceremony on March 25, 2008.

Easter

2008-04-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

I know, it's a little late, but I have been waiting to get a picture of Mya in her Easter dress, and sadly because of sickness and conference, she has not been to Church since the beginning of March. (hopefully she has forgotten what nursery is, and will be excited to go again!) Needless to say, I am too lazy to put her dress on and just take a picture, so when I finally do, you can see what her Easter dress looked like.

Easter was good. Kyle had to work the night before and that day, so we didn't really do anything exciting. I kinda dropped the ball and didn't even do an easter basket for Mya. I just gave her a bag full of toys and treats later that night. Luckily, Mya still has no clue what holidays are so she didn't really care. That morning Kyle woke up just in time for me to go to church and teach my Young Women lesson (Mya was still sick so she couldn't go to church.) and then when I got home he left for work. Sadly, we didn't get to see much of him. Mya and I went to my mom's for Sunday dinner and an easter egg hunt with her cousins. She didn't catch on to what was happening until most of the eggs were gone. She had more fun putting the eggs in her basket and then taking them back out and putting them back where they were hiding. It was fun spending time with family, and it was so nice to have good weather!
(We ended up having an Easter hunt at home with Kyle the next day. Mya thought it was so fun, and actually remembered what to do. We had to keep taking eggs out of her basket and hiding them again because she wouldn't stop looking for eggs! She went at it for a good 20 mins!)

Who doesn't love pudding?

2008-04-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

Mya is quite the independent eater and as you can tell not the cleanest! We had pudding one night for dessert and she loved it! (what little got in her mouth)

Mya has been tagged!

2008-03-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Mya Elaine Groves

1. Mya is a ball of energy! She never stops going and rarely walks anywhere, she always has to run. She is a very good climber and is not afraid of anything or doing everything! She won't sit in a stroller or shopping cart, she has to push it or walk next to it. And she rarely will take naps longer than 30 mins!

2. She loves to sing and dance. I will constantly catch her singing to herself while she's playing, in the car or in the tub. Whenever she hears music she starts to dance, and loves to dance with her dad to Brian Adams.

3. Mya is a very picky eater and doesn't have a sweet tooth. Her favorite food is fries and "dip it"(ketchup) She likes to unwrap candy, but won't eat a lot of it and won't drink anything but milk, water and occasionally coke. She won't touch any kind of juice or applesauce.

4. She was born on the same day as her mom. We are 21 yrs, 1 hour and 10 mins apart.

5. She is a total momma's girl. She is my little shadow, and rarely will go to her dad if mom's around. She is a great helper too. She is always trying to sweep the floor and loves to empty the dishwasher.

6. She is a definite girl. She loves to shop and wearing my "pretty pretties" (jewelry) but has a very strong athletic ability. she is really good with a soccer ball and loves basketball.

7. Mya's favorite movie is Shrek. That is one of the only movies she will sit through without moving.

8.Mya loves to read. Her favorite books are ones with animals and she likes to "read" the books to me. But, she has to turn the pages and she has to pick the book.

9.She loves the tub. She will sit there till the water is freezing or till I make her get out. But, she is not so found of swimming. she hates the cold water to begin with.

10. She loves to be outside. It doesn't matter what we are doing, she loves to be outside. Even if she is freezing!

I tag Drew, Austin, Ethan and Nora

2008-03-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

Continuing from our first adventure.....

So, we take Mya to the doctor and we find out that she has a very bad case of pneumonia that started out as RSV and progressed very fast (like withing 3 days). So, not only is she sick, but she is REALLY sick. We had to start her on antibiotics right away and she now gets to use a nebulizer four times a day. She absolutely hates it, but she is a good girl and gets it done. We call it her "magic air" from her "elephant nose"! If she does not improve significantly within two days of home treatment, we start steriods. I am praying she gets better soon. The worst part is she can't have any contact with anyone with respiratory problems or is sick. So, she hasn't seen her cousins, or "ray ray" as she calls both of them, in so long. She was so happy when they dropped by her get well/happy birthday balloon (thanks Reina!) Even if she only got to talk to them through the car. We have basically been quarantined--anyone who comes over is her new best friend since she is just so sick of being with me all day long. Hopefully this is over soon and we can resume normal life.

Our "Unlucky" St. Patricks Day

2008-03-19T16:50:00.001-07:00

I had great plans for our St. Patty's day, like green pancakes and eggs for breakfast, making green sugar cookies, and dressing Mya in green and searching for "gold coins" But, I had no idea we wouldn't get to do any of it. Our day started at 2:00 in the morning when Mya started to run a 104 degree fever that was just getting worse, and her breathing was getting more labored and fast. I was so worried. I called Kyle at work and he told me to go to the ER room immediately. I got dressed and went, Corey was nice enough to go with us for support since Kyle couldn't get off work. We got there and they did the basic test, then we had several Dr.'s and nurses coming in and out of the room for the next 2 hours. They sent us to get X-rays, which really started to worry me, since we went in because of her fever--not broken bones. They wouldn't let me go with her into the x-ray room because I am pregnant, which was not cool. I got to watch her behind a glass wall screaming and crying. Because she was so little and wiggly they had to strap her into this contraption that basically was like a full body cast. I lost it-I was crying so hard. She kept calling for me and there was nothing I could do. Finally, after several failed attempts (because she is incredibly strong and was moving the "cast" so she could find me) I grabbed two full body lead vests and got to hold her the best I could. Luckily they were able to get the x-rays. By this time it's almost 5 am. Finally at 5:45 am the nurse comes to dismiss us and tells me she has RSV or pneumonia. (I am thinking we are there for almost 4 hours and the best they can say is it might be one or the other? ) We leave with instructions to go to her doctor the next day and follow up. It was a long and tiring morning and not a happy St. Patrick's Day!

SICK! BLAH!!!!

2008-03-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

I absolutely hate being sick, but I hate having sick kids even more! (I say kidS, plural, because at the moment I have two sick kids, Mya and Kyle!) We have had the flu and everything else under the sun at our house this past weekend. It started Thursday, and we can't seem to get rid of it. Mya has been the worst, and it's sad. It's hard when they don't understand what sick is, and why mom can't fix it. She has had the highest fever and even started having fever convulsion (which are absolutely terrifying--especially for first time moms!) She has figured out every trick I have for giving her medicine, and has gotten really good at hiding when the time comes to have more. I hope we get over this soon! We are going absolutely insane not being able to leave the house. Poor Mya tried to escape every chance she gets and constantly has her coat and shoes on ready to go! Thanks Uncle Corey for the pedialite and soup!

Mya's first haircut

2008-03-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

So, we decided it was probably time to give Mya a haircut so that she could see! I went to have my hair colored and Kyle had his hair cut, so we thought it was the perfect time. I was a little worried that she wouldn't hold still, but she did great! She was so excited to be a big girl like her mom. Aunt Dani did a great job! the first thing she said when she was done was "I pretty!" Of course she is, with or without a haircut :) I am the one in the background with "crazy monster" hair. I am in the middle of a weave--so I look a little stupid. I specifically asked Kyle to make sure I wasn't in the pictures, but that didn't work so well.

Kangaroo Zoo

2008-03-01T20:38:00.001-08:00

We decided to go out on a family outing and have some fun, since it has been awhile. We took Mya to Kangaroo Zoo, (again-- her second time this week.) We had so much fun! Mya loved the slides and she thought she was such a big girl going down all by herself! She was such a goof ball and ran non-stop the whole time! Kyle and I even had fun going down the slides and jumping around. Afterwards I saw the signs that said "NO PREGNANT WOMEN", but I figured it was just a precaution right? It was definitely worth the money, and Mya went to bed at a record time of 8:00 that night! Who could ask for more! We will definitely be going back, and next time we are taking Uncle Corey!

OOPS!

2008-02-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is my totally embarrassing bad mom moment! We had gone out to lunch for my parents anniversary and when we got home I was so tired and sick. Mya hadn't taken her nap yet so we laid down and I put in a movie and I thought we would all just fall asleep. Well, Kyle and I fell asleep, but Mya didn't. Instead she helped herself to the pantry and every single bag of cereal and chips that we had. Plus, she pulled out every book she owns and almost every single toy! The house was a disaster. This is just a sample of what my entire house looked like. Mya was a happy camper though! All I could do was laugh when I woke up, since it was my fault leaving a mischievous 18 month old by herself. Needless to say, I won't be doing that again!

Usborne and Scentsy Party

2008-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I am having a Usborne books (children books) and a Scentsy party on Saturday March 1st at 10:30. I would love for everyone to come! It would be a fun chance to catch up and let our kids play for a minute! Let me know if you need my address or directions! Hope to see you Sat.

9 WEEKS!

2008-02-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

Today marked my 9 weeks of being pregnant , and hopefully that means only 3 more weeks of sickness and 221 days left of being pregnant. I have already started showing (barely) and have developed a little tummy, but I don't think it has anything to do with the baby, sadly I think it has more to do with the cheetos and constant eating to avoid the nauseous feeling! :) I totally don't remember being this sick with Mya, but then again I was working and had no choice but to get out of bed. Thanks to my totally awesome mom and sister for being such great helps. Not only for cleaning my house (aren't they awesome!) but watching Mya! You guys have been such a blessing! Also, to my wonderful husband, who has changed more diapers, fed mya lunch and cleaned the house way more than I ever expected him to! I married the best man ever!! Hopefully it will start getting better from here!

Happy Birthday Grandma Groves!

2008-02-09T20:46:00.001-08:00

We had Kyle's mom over for her birthday for cake and ice cream. Which was a great thing, because lately I have been so sick I hardly leave the house! Mya loved the chocolate cake, in fact I think more ended up on her beautiful white sweater and chubby cheeks then in her mouth. She has become quite the camera hog and loves to smile on que. She has developed quite the cheesy smile, but it's so cute to me! Here's to one more year grandma groves!

TAGGED

2008-02-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Okay so I was Tagged and now I have to write 10 things about myself. The stupid thing is I can't think of ten things! I know it's pretty sad, so some of these will be a stretch :)

1. I love salt and pepper! I can eat it on anything, including ice cream. I have gotten better, but still indulge now and then with covering everything I am eating in pepper.

2. I hate to unload the dishwasher. I don' t mind loading it, but i wait till either my husband does it, or I absolutely have to unload it. I also hate laundry. I will run the dryer with a damp towel several times, because I never remember to take it out of the dryer. (and i don't like to iron)

3. I love to clean, especially the bathrooms. I just love the look and smell of a clean bathroom. I clean my house as much as possible, usually three times a week and deep clean and sanitize once a week. Which sometimes doesn't look like it, when you have a 18 month old following you and helping you "clean" (or unload every drawer and closet) as you go.

4. I hate water. I don't like to go swimming and I don't like being on water. This one is thanks to my mom. I would rather sit on the side of the pool than actually get in. My mother in law tried to teach me to swim, but it's like trying to get a cat into water. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!! I do go swimming, but I don't enjoy it.

5. I love to scrapbook. It took me a while to get going, but now I can't stop. I usually do one or two spreads a night.

6. I don't like chocolate. Especially hot chocolate. It gives me a headache and makes my stomach hurt.

7. I love to shop! I am addicted to a good sale. I rarely pay full price for anything.

8. I met my husband through a blind date set up by his grandma and mom.

9. I hate being cold. i love 100 degree weather.

10. i like to make crafts and home decor. I make my own wreaths and most of my own decorations for my house, including curtains and couch covers. I love cross stiching and sewing.

SUPRISE

2008-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

I AM PREGNANT!! I just found out that kyle and I are expecting baby #2! We are so excited and nervous! I am due in Sept. but don't have an official due date yet. The morning sickness has already started, so I am not to happy about that. I can't wait to have a newborn again though!

Sledding

2008-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

On new years day we decided to go sledding. There wasn't much snow on the ground, but before going to the mountains we decided to check the Provo bowl, or Rock canyon park. Suprisingly there was great snow! Kyle had never been there before, but he was so excited when we got there. Mya had so much fun the first couple of slides down, but she got sick of it real fast. It was a blast!

2007-12-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great this year. We spend Christmas eve morning with Kyle's family and had a great lunch and opened presents. Then Mya and I went to my mom's for Christmas eve, since Kyle had to work. It was nice to spend time with both families. Christmas morning we opened presents at my mom's first. Mya had a blast with everyone's wrapping paper and empty boxes! We ended the night at Kyle's grandparents by the fire. What a great holiday!

Christmas lights

2007-12-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

This year my family decided to rent the trolley at Thanksgiving point to look at the lights, instead of driving separate cars. It was nice to be all together and being able to look at the lights instead of the road :) Mya loves Christmas lights, but was more excited about being in a car without her car seat! Oh well.

Our anniversary

2007-12-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

Kyle and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary this year. It has gone by so fast! We went to the Garden room in the Joseph Smith memorial building in SLC and then went and looked at the lights at Temple Square. It was so cold that we didn't stay very long, but it was still nice.

Snow

2007-12-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

Mya loves being outside, and playing in the snow is just another bonus! She has so much fun with her dad building snow men and just following him around in his tracks. I don't mind staying inside and just taking pictures though :)